Official statements from the Israeli government, Hamas, or credible news agencies

Hamas Video Shows Israeli Hostage Matan Zangauker in Distress, Urges Negotiations for 100 Hostages

Dec 7, 2024, 03:45 PM

Hamas has released a new video showing Matan Zangauker, a 25-year-old Israeli hostage, who was kidnapped during the October 7th attack in Israel. The video, which is approximately three and a half minutes long, was released to Telegram and shows Zangauker pleading for his release and revealing visible signs of severe physical distress, including cracked lips from dehydration and malnutrition. This marks the first sign of life from Zangauker in months, with the video indicating it was filmed recently as he mentions being held for over 420 days. The release of the video has prompted calls for negotiations to secure the release of the remaining 100 hostages, including seven Americans, still held in Gaza. Hamas is preparing for negotiations on the hostages, and the video was authorized for release by Zangauker's family. His mother, Einav Zangauker, has been a prominent activist for their release, and Hamas is believed to be pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate.